Stutts, Melson Defend “Physician-Led” ADPH in Committee Hearing

A bill (SB 240) by optometrist and Senate Health Committee Chairman Jim McClendon (R-Springville) to abolish the position of state health officer and overhaul the entire Alabama Department of Public Health and all county health departments in the state passed committee on an 8-3 vote this week.  The opposing votes came from Sens. Larry Stutts (R-Tuscumbia) and Tim Melson (R-Florence), both physicians, and also from Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook). 

Sen. McClendon told the audience that the State Committee of Public Health, which appoints the state health officer, was just “a private club” of doctors, and that he aimed to change that.  While current law provides that the State Committee of Public Health (12 physicians and four other members) appoints the state health officer, SB 240 would instead have the governor appoint a “secretary of health” who would not be required to be a physician in the proposed legislation.

Senators Larry Stutts, M.D. and Tim Melson, M.D, both took issue with McClendon’s explanation of the bill and with the bill itself.  Stutts said he believes the timing of the bill is wrong.

“The tail end of a pandemic is not the time to do this.  I respect Dr. Harris and his objectivity and expertise.  I haven’t always agreed with all the decisions made, but I don’t want the state health officer to be political appointment,” Stutts said. 

Melson agreed.

“I want the state health officer accountable to other doctors,” Melson said.  “I don’t want to make [it] a political position…I think the system may need a tune-up but not an overhaul, not what’s in this bill.”

Sen. Billy Beasley (D-Clayton), a pharmacist, said he thinks State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris should be “commended” for his work during the pandemic, adding “I think the state health officer needs to be a doctor.”

Those voting in favor of the bill in committee were Sens. Jim McClendon, Billy Beasley, Tom Whatley, Jack Williams, Sam Givhan, Donnie Chesteen, Garlan Gudger, and Linda Coleman-Madison. 

Discussions with Decisionmakers: Barry Moore

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself – Primary occupation? Interests? Hobbies?

I am Barry Moore from Enterprise, Alabama. I grew up on a farm in Coffee County. In 1992 I graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Agricultural Science. Since 1998, my wife Heather and I own and operate Hopper-Moore Inc., a waste-hauling and demolition company. I served in the Alabama House as District 91’s State Representative for 8 years. During that tenure I served as Chairman of Military and Veteran Affairs and several other committees. Heather and I have four children- Jeremy, Kathleen, Claudia and Jeb.

2. What first prompted you to consider running for your House District seat and how do you believe your background and experiences help you serve in the legislature?

I have four fundamentals that guide all aspects of my life: Faith, Family, Finance and Freedom. I felt this has been a calling from God and I have answered that call. Our nation must have leaders with the courage to stand and serve with humility. I am a veteran and the only veteran serving in the Alabama delegation. I ran for Congress in 2018 against an incumbent. It laid the ground-work for 2020 when Congresswoman Roby decided to retire. With much prayer I entered the race along with seven other candidates and by the grace of God, I won. My experience in the Alabama House gave me a track record of how I voted and my work ethic. I was voted the most conservative dependable vote and I will continue to serve my constituents in the same manner.

3. Can you tell us a little about some health-related issues important to your district and your constituents?

Right now, protecting our rural hospitals is very important to District 2. These hospitals are front line to so many different health care emergencies to include CoVid and Mental Health.

4. If you could change one thing about our current healthcare system, what would it be?

I would encourage more physician-patient confidentiality and keep the government out of the decision-making process that may place unnecessary pressure upon the patient or the physician. In other words, let our doctors do their job without the interference of the government.

5. How can the Medical Association – and physicians statewide – help you better address our state (and nation’s) current health challenges?

Continue to work together with an open line of communication and dialogue that effectively serves the people.

6. What’s the one thing you would like to say to physicians in your district?

Absolutely want to say a huge THANK YOU for the incredible job you are doing. The year 2020 has been a year like no other and without our physicians working the way they have, especially the front-line physicians, working directly with CoVid patients, our state would have suffered even greater. My office will always be grateful and open to MASA and look forward to working together.

Discussions with Decisionmakers: Jerry Carl

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself – Primary occupation? Interests? Hobbies?

I have spent most of my life creating and building small businesses, primary dealing with home healthcare equipment and specialty pharmacies. Presently, my wife and I own one pharmacy that serves hemophilia patients. In my spare time, I love being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with my grandkids.

2. What first prompted you to consider running for your House District seat and how do you believe your background and experiences help you serve in the legislature?

As a native of Mobile, I love everything about my district and have always been proud to call it home. I care about our area and want to do everything possible to help improve the lives of everyone who calls South Alabama home. I have no doubt my experience working with all levels of government as a county commissioner has prepared me well to serve as Congressman for the First District.

I felt prompted to run for Congress when my son, a Marine, came back from active duty in Afghanistan, and I saw the struggles he was having with the VA healthcare system. I knew with my business background and knowledge of the medical industry, I could help make a difference in the lives of our veterans.

3. Can you tell us a little about some health-related issues important to your district and your constituents?

The immediate issue facing our area is the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be key to work with local and state governments to continue limiting the spread of the virus, as well as distributing vaccines once they are available. Moving forward, we must refocus on the rising costs of healthcare, including prescription medication. I look forward to working closely with all levels of government and the AMA to help address these issues.

4. If you could change one thing about our current healthcare system, what would it be?

Our insurance markets need greater competition. I believe we need market-based insurance solutions rather than bloated government programs. This includes allowing individuals the ability to purchase their insurance across state lines and ensuring those with pre-existing conditions are protected.

5. How can the Medical Association – and physicians statewide – help you better address our state (and nation’s) current health challenges?

Overcoming the challenges our healthcare system faces is complex and will require hard work on all sides of the issue. Anytime the Association, physicians, and other medical stakeholders in our state have a concern or an idea, please reach out to me. The more I understand the challenges you face, the more likely we will be to find a solution together.

6. What’s the one thing you would like to say to physicians in your district?

Thank you for all you do for our community day in and day out, especially this year. Covid-19 has been difficult on every American. However, no one has felt this more than our physicians and healthcare workers. 2020 has reminded everyone just how important our physicians are, and I am grateful for the work you continue to do for the people of our district.

Discussions with Decisionmakers: Rep. Howard Sanderford

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself – Primary occupation? Interests? Hobbies?

I’m an accountant by education, and received my bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University. Following college, I served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. From there, I went to work with IBM and eventually left to open my own company, Computer Leasing Company, Inc.

In the community, I have served in various roles with various organizations, including past President of the Huntsville Rotary Club, past Chairman of the Madison County Republican Executive Committee, past Co-chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Free Enterprise Committee, past Vice President of the Metropolitan YMCA Board, and I was a member of the Alabama Commission on Aerospace Sciences and the Alabama Management Improvement Program.

Today, I am a board member of the Alabama Space and Rocket Center, Volunteers of America of North Alabama, YMCA, Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame, and Alabama Board of Medical Scholarship Awards (BMSA).

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention my wife, Dot, and our three children: Mary Ann, Peggy, and Betty.

2. What first prompted you to consider running for your House District seat and how do you believe your background and experiences help you serve in the legislature?

Following retirement from IBM, I became more involved in political organizations in the Huntsville area. When then-representative and democrat, Stephen Hettinger, left the seat in 1988 to become mayor of Huntsville, the Madison County GOP was looking for a candidate to run for the seat. As it turned out, nobody wanted to do it; so, the Executive Committee asked me to run for District 20 as a republican.

Frankly, the last thing I wanted to do is run the highway from Huntsville to Montgomery. Now, 32 years (1988 – Present) later, I guess the position was meant for me.

3. Every legislative session, you are a leading voice in bringing awareness to one of the Medical Association’s top priorities – increasing funding for the Board of Medical Scholarship Awards (BMSA) and ensuring there are primary care physicians working in rural, medically underserved areas of the state.  Tell us a little about why this issue is so important to you. 

This is a funny story. I actually had no idea that I was being appointed. In fact, I found out at a legislative reception one evening years ago when Governor Hunt approached me and said, “I appointed to you a board today. I forgot which one but I’ll send you a letter.” It just so happened to be the BMSA.

BMSA is a tremendous program. I’m extremely glad Governor Hunt decided – for whatever reason – to appoint me to this board. The program deserves more money to put more physicians in areas of need because year after year we have more applicants than we do scholarships. And every one of these applicants is the “best of the best.”

4. By increasing funding for the BMSA, if Alabama is able to reverse the trend of having a shortage of primary care physicians, what kind of message does that send for the state’s ability to tackle other troubling health care issues?

This program has a major impact on healthcare in Alabama. Most physicians in these areas struggle to pay of their loans or succeed. Those who are selected for the BMSA are typically the top of their class and have a true desire to give back to communities who lack proper access. These young men and women want to go serve rural Alabama; it’s unfortunate we cannot provide them with the money to help them do it.

5. If you could change one thing about our state’s health care system, what would it be?

More physicians. Even I have struggled to find a physician, and I live in Huntsville. Those in areas with one or two – or even zero – physicians face even more burdensome hurdles.

6. How can the Medical Association – and physicians statewide – help better address Alabama’s health challenges?

Whether it be bills before my Committee – Boards, Agencies, and Commissions – or others being considered by the entire House, the Medical Association has always been there to provide us with much needed information. Continuing to do so is needed and much appreciated.

7. What’s the one thing you would like to say to physicians in your district?

We appreciate you. My wife and I have seen a fair share of physicians over the years – from broken bones of our children to our own personal illnesses – and we are grateful for the care we received. These are unique times, but we will make it through. Keep up the good work.

2021 Legislative Agenda

As the professional association for some 7,000 physicians of all specialties in Alabama, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama exists to serve, lead, and unite physicians in promoting the highest quality of healthcare for the people of Alabama through advocacy, information, and education.

The Medical Association of Alabama is proud to advocate on behalf of physicians and their patients and, despite the challenges to care delivery and daily life brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, is committed to moving medicine forward in 2021.

General Legislative Policies Supported

The Medical Association supports the physician-led health team model and maintaining the highest standards for medical care delivery across all specialties of medicine. The Association supports physician autonomy in patient care and medical practice decisions as well as fair reimbursement for services. The Association also supports reducing the administrative tasks required of physicians by insurers which increase annual health spending and negatively impact patient health. Specifically, the Association supports reforming prior authorization processes and step therapy protocols and ending non-medical switching and co-pay accumulator programs.

Further, the Association supports increasing health insurance options for Alabamians, including expanding Medicaid. The Association supports increasing access to quality mental health care and continued state funding for the Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the Infant Mortality Review Committee. Recognizing the long-term effects of social determinants of health on individuals, families and ultimately communities, the Association supports comprehensive solutions to addressing these challenges.

Finally, by ensuring medical liability environment stability and pursuing further civil justice reforms, the Association believes Alabama can continue to attract highly-qualified physicians.

Specific Legislative Priorities Supported

For the 2021 Legislative Session, the Association specifically supports:

• Legislation to provide physicians and medical practices “safe harbor” from COVID-related lawsuits.
• Legislation prohibiting deceptive health care advertising and requiring health professionals identify their license to patients.
• Reforming the “certificate of need”  process  to increase physician ownership of equipment and facilities and expand access to quality, affordable care.
• Recommendations of the Rural Health Taskforce, including increased funding for the Board of Medical Scholarship Awards and broadening the rural physician tax credit.
• Mandated review of the state vaccine registry prior to administration and uploading of patient vaccine information into the database.
• Continued physician compounding and dispensing of drugs.
• Same standards and reimbursements for telehealth as for face-to-face visits, and expanding broadband initiatives to facilitate increased use of telemedicine.

General Legislative Policies Opposed

The Medical Association opposes any scope of practice expansion for non-physicians, which could fracture the physician-led health team model and lower quality of care and increase costs for patients. The Association also opposes any interference with the physician-patient relationship and attempts to reduce a physician’s autonomy in patient care or medical practice decisions.

The Association opposes legislation or other initiatives that could increase lawsuit opportunities against physicians, including the establishment of statutory standards of care or any statutory dictums for medical care delivery. The Association also opposes any state- level increase of requirements for Maintenance of Certification. Finally, the Medical Association opposes tax increases disproportionately affecting physicians.

Specific Legislative Polcies Opposed

For the 2021 Legislative Session, the Association specifically opposes:

• Expanding Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) access for law enforcement.
• Statutory requirements for mandatory Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) checks.
• Changes to workers’ compensation laws negatively affecting treatment of injured workers and medical practices.